How do I know if I am eligible to participate in research?

Each study has different inclusion and exclusion criteria.  To see if you are eligible please call our main number at 415-885-7899.  We will describe our clinical trials to you and determine if you will be a good candidate.

Can I participate in a clinical trial if I am currently taking other medications?

There are some medications that you cannot take. When you call to find our more information about a specific study, we will ask you about medications you are currently taking and assess you for study eligibility.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is an inert substance that is used to compare the effects of a treatment against no treatment.  There is no medication in a placebo?

What hours can I come in for an appointment?

Our office hours are 8:30AM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday.

Do I have to come to the Pain Clinical Research Center for all of the visits or can you come to me?

Yes, all of the visits must occur at the Pain Clinical Research Center at UCSF Mt. Zion.

Will you tell my insurance company or doctor that I participated in the study?

We will not contact your insurance company. We will only contact your physician with your written permission.

Will you tell me if I was on the medication or placebo at the end of the study?

We will not let you know at the end of your participation if you were on the medication or placebo. However, some of our trials are for medications that are already FDA approved for different indications. In these situations, we can write a letter to your physician with your permission and let him or her know that you were part of the trial and describe the medication you may have received. 

I am under 18 years of age. Can I still participate in on of your a clinical trials?

Currently all of our studies require that you be at least 18 years of age. 

What does paid participation mean?

This means that you will receive financial compensation for your time and effort as a participant in a clinical trial.  In the event that you are unable to complete the study or become ineligible, you will still be paid for the visits that you completed.

Do you pay for my parking?

We will validate your parking if you park in the lot across the street from our center.  The parking garage has teal fencing with green ivy and the entrance is on Sutter St.  The garage is located at 1635 Sutter St.

What is the Pain Group?

The UCSF Pain Group aims to bring together basic scientists, clinical scientists, and pain clinicians to encourage dialogue and translational pain research. Studying pain mechanisms through molecular research, genetic approaches, and functional brain imaging has the potential to greatly advance our understanding of chronic pain.  Meetings usually occur on the first and third Thursday of the month, and often also on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Speakers are highly respected and distinguished experts in the pain field.

How can I be added or removed from the Pain Group email list?

Prior to each meeting, an email reminder is sent to those on the email list. If you would like to be added, simply call 415-885-7899 and we will be happy to add or remove you.

Are there currently any job openings?

Currently we do not have any job openings.